Making for Mum this Mother's Day

WORDS:: CHYKA KEEBAUGH

IMAGES:: LISA ATKINSON

I am going to be a little cheeky and speak for all mum’s right now; we don’t want the most expensive showy gift for Mother's Day!

We want time, a good cup of tea, peace and quiet (and a good magazine!) and of course, a little pampering. Not too much, (well, how much is too much??) maybe a nice cooked lunch or dinner, definitely breakfast in bed, a small gift and then that’s it. We are happy. And I'm not saying this to sound selfless; it is more to drum home the point that you don’t need to spend big to get the big smiles from mum. Keep it simple, out some thought into it because I promise you that will be more appreciated than a bunch of flowers from the service station!

When my children were young, I once received a face scrub. Yes, it looked a little scary, but I loved that they made them especially for mums and I knew they had tried hard. A face scrub can be made from basic essential ingredients already in your pantry, and with a ribbon and card attached, it can make a lovely gift for mum.

Sugar Scrub & Coffee Scrub

Ingredients

1 Tbsp Raw Honey *or coffee

1 Tbsp Brown Sugar

Method

Place the brown sugar/coffee and honey in a small bowl and mix together well. Store in a jar with an airtight lid. Keep at room temperature

Tea is something that every Mum loves; whether it be relaxing chamomile at the end of the day or an intense Assam first thing in the morning. There are so many fantastic flavours out there, gorgeous pots you can brew in and teacups to start collecting. I think this is the perfect Mother’s Day theme, and I have created a few little crafty gifts that I know mum will love.

With a selection of sweet treats and a little bit of preparation, you can create a fun dining experience that Mum will never forget. Start your Mother’s Day off in absolute luxury by finding a unique space in your home where you can set up a gorgeous table setting. Don’t fall into the habit of always dining in the same area; move your tables about, and create a new nook that will inspire you to decorate. If the sun is shining, move your table outdoors like I did!

Wouldn’t a garden posie just be adorable, heartfelt and treasured? A little more than a rose in a tube of plastic. Which by the way, if you do give that to your mum - you should be ashamed! My style is a little rustic and eclectic, so when I think about the perfect posie, I think of a combination of herbs, garden foliage and the odd flower. Small and delicate, yet funky and homemade. It’s a simple thing to do, and I promise that your mum will love it.

LOVE IS FREE ON MOTHER’S DAY, WHAT CAN YOU DO FOR YOUR MUM?

The traditional breakfast in bed accompanied by a beautiful handwritten letter. It doesn't matter how old we are, getting a beautiful letter is always special. Take the time to list all the things you love about your mum and tell her! She will love it.

Make her a mixed tape, or mixed CD or Spotify list! Compile all the songs that remind you of fun family times. It can be your special family soundtrack.

Grab a blank notebook with a study cover and compile a handwritten recipe book of special family meals. What meals did you love eating when growing up? They may be simple, but they are yours, and this could be the start of a lovely tradition. You could add a new favourite every year and grow your recipe book.

Endless cups of teas, drop over a takeaway coffee and muffin, a bottle of wine - something you can share together. The best chats are always had when you have a yummy drink in hand.

Simple things like - putting the bin out without being asked, mowing the lawn, cleaning her car, do the grocery shopping, unloading the dishwasher. In fact, doing anything without being asked is a bonus in my book!

I’m sure you can get creative and think of a million one things that would bring a smile to your mum's face. I for one would love any of these, hint hint kids!